We've received word via the Bowerman Athletic Club that early Nike employee and overall running community legend Geoff Hollister passed away earlier today.

We'll update with more information as we receive it.

UPDATE #1: From OregonLive.com

Geoff Hollister, an original Nike employee and former University of Oregon track runner, dies
Published: Monday, February 06, 2012, 12:35 PM    
By Allan Brettman, The Oregonian 

Geoff Hollister, one of the "Men of Oregon" while running for University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and one of Nike's first employees, died today. He was 66, having celebrated a birthday on Friday and having battled cancer for several years. 

He died in the 40th anniversary year of Nike. 

Geoffrey Hollister was born on Feb. 3, 1946, in Portland. Continue reading article here

UPDATE #2: From goducks.com

EUGENE, Ore. - Former University of Oregon track and field letterman and one of Nike's first employees Geoff Hollister passed away Monday. He was 66.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of a great friend not only of the University of Oregon, but of the entire running community," said Associate Athletic Director Vin Lananna. "Geoff was not only a visionary, but also one of the indelible spirits in our profession.

"The Men of Oregon will to continue to be inspired by his passion. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hollister family."

Graduating from South Eugene High School in 1964, Hollister became one of the "Men of Oregon" when he joined legendary coach Bill Bowerman's freshman squad in 1965. He went on to letter as a distance runner and steeplechaser in both 1966 and 1968.

Hollister's time at Oregon coincided with the founding of Blue Ribbon Sports - which would later become Nike - by Bowerman and a former Oregon runner named Phil Knight.

In 1967, Hollister became one of Nike's first employees, selling running shoes on commission.

Hollister graduated from Oregon with a degree in art in 1968, and after serving three years in the U.S. Navy, embarked on a three-decades long career with Nike.

He helped launch Nike's "waffle sole" shoe at the 1972 Olympic Trials in Eugene, and also worked closely with one of Nike's first superstar athletes, Steve Prefontaine. Hollister also headed up Nike's promotional efforts at the 1976, 1980 and 1984 Olympic Trials, as well as the 1976 Montreal and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Later in his career at Nike, he produced the Prefontaine documentary "Fire on the Track," among other films and helped establish the Bowerman Project, which awarded matching funds to refurbish track facilities both in the United State and abroad.

Hollister retired from Nike in 2002 and moved to Sequim, Wash., and remained active with Nike as a consultant. In 2008, Hollister completed his autobiography "Out of Nowhere."

He also remained active with the UO track program, spearheading the annual alumni weekend, which in 2012 will be celebrated in conjunction with the inaugural Pac-12 Championships.

He is survived by his wife Wendy, and two children from a previous marriage, son Tracy and daughter Kaili.